(more) Chatter

It was funny to get a New Mexico-related work email about a month ago, actually as I was traveling back from Yellowstone (I was still in Montana). I was so pleased to be asked to play with two prominent string players in the ABQ area within about a month from the contact. 

The repertoire was: two sets of pieces by the Boulanger sisters, and the Dvořák "Dumky" trio. The "Dumky" had been on my "not that excited to play this piece" list for a long time, *but* the invitation was important because it involved not only terrific players, but also a concert series which I really enjoy in Albuquerque. (You can read about that series again in this post).

Part of the tricky, interpretative challenge with "Dumky" are the many tempo changes and transitions. I never realized this before, but my disdain for the work had probably come from a "bad" (read: uninspired, uninformed, unresearched) performance that I had heard at some point. I can't remember if the performance was live or a recording at this point, either. It doesn't matter. What matters is that I agreed to the performance, and once I say "yes," it's "yes" all the way.

Through a number of rehearsals, we worked out who led which transitions, what the audience was to listen for, which places to take (how much) time, and so forth. 

What was fun for me was to remember and imagine many wonderful experiences I've been lucky to have in Eastern Europe. Specifically, in the Czech Republic and Hungary. The experiences of combining parties, pálinka, and too much dancing and enough instruction to be dangerous. Those were, in some ways, "dumka" moments.

The idea of the "Dumka" is that it is a slow lament, which gradually works its way into a more festive, active dance. The "Trio," vaguely following a Sonata Allegro form, more accurately is in six "Dumky" - one leading into the next. 

I am so grateful to new colleagues James and Megan (you can read about them here) for the opportunity to collaborate, and for the transformative experience of making me love this work. 

PHOTO: From the concert. 

Perseverance, Part 4

This will be the first in a series of post about the Lukens Piano Trio tour to Georgia (and two stops in Pennsylvania).

Last night, the Lukens Piano Trio performed at Muhlenberg College as part of their

Sunday Evening Series. Our wonderful current-and-founding cellist, David Moulton, is on faculty there, so he was instrumental in organizing our event there last night. 

(Yes, that pun was intended).

It was terrific to do this "send-off" concert before departing Thursday morning. 

Our program for these concerts is:

Beethoven, Trio Opus 1, no. 1 in E-flat major

Jennifer Higdon, Piano Trio

---

Brahms, Trio in c minor, Opus 101

When David gave the opening remarks last night, he stated that "this is our first trip out of town." It is! We've been playing together since 2005, and we've mostly stayed within 2 hours of Philadelphia (NJ, Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, NYC, Delaware, suburban NYC). 

We are headed to the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Series of Augusta, Georgia at the end of this week. 

Why this post is labeled in the "perseverance" series is attributed to our "longevity." I remember times with this trio where we were playing in church basements, or other events where we had to lift a piano, or play to only five people (three of which were my immediate family). Those days, perhaps, are behind us. Last night's crowd was terrific, surprisingly great attendance! 

We've dealt with the difficulties of coordinating schedules, distance, programming, and planning in the cracks of a symphony job (David), a full-time business in antiques (Michael), building a collaborative career (Kristin), a doctorate out-of-state (Kristin), a wedding (Kristin), and other "life" happenings. We've stuck through the five-year itch that often kills new businesses. 

And now, we can continually bank on our own rehearsal process, practice techniques, and the ability to practice individually, with the gruop sound in mind, yielding better concentrated rehearsal efforts before concerts.

Stay tuned for more reflections on this process. 

PHOTO: The last bit of autumn that I was able to capture during my trip south. When I return in a week and a half, these leaves will most likely have fallen.

The good ol' days (?)

Dear everyone,

You can attribute my absence of about two months to competing my doctorate and getting engaged. I realize that for those of you who are following on occasion, that you feel you have missed a lot. Not to worry. I will fill you in.

I am home this week with only two duties. I am back with my beloved trio (www.lukenspianotrio.com) and I am also attending Westminster Choir College's Alumni Council weekend and meetings. It is so wonderful to have one immediate and one near (one month or so) project to practice only, no more papers, no lecture recital, and no homework!

That's right. No homework, ever again.

You could say that "everything's coming up roses ..."